Police Stations

In reply to the Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (30 March 2017).

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety): I am advised:

The Berri Police Station renovations commenced on 1 May 2017 and will continue for approximately seven months. A final plan was agreed with South Australia Police (SAPOL) and the contractor on 6 April 2017 after site visits and workflow considerations; this plan allows for most of the current Berri Police Station staff to remain on site during the renovation.

There will be some movement of staff away from the site to other Riverland locations however this has been minimised to the largest extent.

I am advised that the Berri CIB, Crime Scene Investigation and Family Violence staff will move temporarily to the Renmark Police Station. There will be no disruption or variation to their current service delivery. It is anticipated that their relocation will last for six months before returning to the Berri Police Station.

I am also advised that four highway patrol members will re locate to Barmera Police Station for a six month period prior to returning to the Berri Police Station. These moves alleviate some vehicle congestion at Berri during the works and allow for office space to be vacated to move police around the renovations with the least disruption.

No sworn staff have been removed from the Riverland area and local police numbers are regularly supplemented by visits from specialist and other police based in Adelaide.

The renovations are not linked to the resourcing of Murray Mallee LSA, they are being undertaken to improve the facilities at the Berri Police Station. SAPOL is not currently reviewing the resourcing of Murray Mallee LSA.